Fruit and vege prices have fallen 9.3 per cent in the past 12 months driven down by tomatoes, broccoli, and lettuce, new Stats NZ data shows. 

Overall food price inflation was just 2.1 per cent for the year to February - the lowest it has been since the year to May 2021. Meat, poultry, and fish prices – increased just 0.2 per cent. 

But it was bad news for those who enjoy eating out, with the cost of restaurant meals (and ready-to-eat-food) increasing by 6.7 per cent. 

“Going out for a meal or grabbing takeaways was more expensive in February 2024,” said Stats NZ consumer prices manager Will Bell. 

Over all supermarket grocery food prices increased 3.9 per cent and non-alcoholic beverage prices – increased 4.3 per cent. However, on a monthly basis (compared to January) groceries, as well as meat poultry and fish were down 0.5 per cent. 

As well as releasing food price data today Stats NZ has also released its monthly Selected Price Index which captures food, accommodation and travel costs. 

The combined Selected Price Index (SPI) series offers a monthly read on price changes for around 45 per cent of New Zealand household spending. The full Consumer Price Index is released just quarterly. 

The SPI data for February showed some hefty rises - on an annual basis - for alcoholic drinks, up 5 per cent and tobacco, up 10.4 per cent. 

Petrol prices rose 12 per cent for the year and domestic air travel was also up 7.7 per cent. International travel prices fell 2.8 per cent over the year, but the price of an overseas holiday almost certainly didn’t - due to accommodation costs. 

Prices for international accommodation increased 24.5 per cent in the 12 months to February 2024, after a decrease of 6.3 per cent in the 12 months to February 2023. 

“The cost of staying at accommodation while abroad, is more than 40 per cent more expensive than five years ago,” Bell said.